Calgary Flames vs Chicago Blackhawks, 8 PM MT, Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary AB

Will it go to 7? The Flames current losing streak is at 6 and the Flames have looked horrible in losing those 6. The last was a 7-4 defeat at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning, after having a 2 goal lead. Calgary is circling the playoff drain right now if you just take the standings at face value only. But because the West is so mediocre outside of Vegas and Nashville, the Flames are only 3 points behind the Minnesota Wild when it comes the WC. HOWEVER, the way the Flames have been playing lately that 3 point gap could grow significantly in the coming weeks.

The Blackhawks are just below the Flames in the standings and they have dropped 6 of their last 9. Their trip to the Saddledome concludes a 4 game road swing that sends them into a significantly tougher schedule. Besides a back to back with the Flames, Chicago gets Dallas, Vegas, Minnesota, Anaheim and LA to name a few. Chicago needs to run that gauntlet and play well if they have any hope of making the playoffs. The good news is the ‘Hawks could be getting Corey Crawford back in time for Calgary’s visit in Feb. 6th.

The Flames and Blackhawks have met once this season, with the Flames taking the NYE contest 4-3 in OT. The final 2 meetings between these two will be tonight and Tuesday with a home and home set. Chicago has had some success against the Flames as they are 3-1-1 in their last 5 visits to the Flames home barn.

What’s Happening With The Opposition?

Chicago Blackhawks Coverage: Second City Hockey

Last Time Out

Calgary Flames 4 Tampa Bay Lightning 7

This game summed up the Flames play perfectly lately: take an early lead and fall apart and lose. Mike Smith had his first brutal game of the season, giving up 6 soft goals before being yanked in favour of David Rittich. Here’s our recap and the highlights from NHL.com

Chicago Blackhawks 2 Vancouver Canucks 4

The Blackhawks had a nice 2 game winning streak going before they rolled into Vancouver Thursday night. Brendan Gaunce put two past Anton Forsberg and the winning streak was over. Second City Hockey has the recap and NHL.com provides the highlights.

Players To Watch

Calgary Flames

Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Dougie Hamilton (D). At Flames practice this week Dougie Hamilton FINALLY got some time on the Flames top PP unit. His lack of ice time with that crew has been a mystery that no one has been able to solve. The Flames blue liner is 11th in scoring by defenceman and the Calgary PP is 2 for it’s last 21. Something had to give. Hamilton has 5 points on the PP this year, so maybe he can help jump start that struggling group.

Chicago Blackhawks

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Duncan Keith (D). Keith is struggling goal-wise this season (hasn’t scored at all this year), but he’s secured 3 assists in his last 5 games. His 25 points put him well behind team leader Patrick Kane, but he’s excelled on the road. Nineteen of his twenty five points have come away from United Center.